Page 1
®
Instruction
Manual
Avoid injury or death -
Read and understand this manual!
Para instrucciones en Español,
llamar al: 1-800-837-4044
www.centuryproducts.com
PM-1589AB 6/01
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Information.....................................1
Warnings.........................................................2
Basic Information.............................................4
Vehicle Seat Belts........................................... 18
Locking Clip.......................................... 25
Additional Information.................................. 26
• Installation of Anchor Hardware
• Tether Storage
• Care and Cleaning
• Aircraft Use
• Second Hand Car Seat
❃
Before You Begin
❃
Use
❃
Special Information
Height and Weight Limits..................................5
Installation with harness system....................... 6
Installation without harness system.................. 7
Placing Child In Car Seat -
with harness system....................................
8
Placing Child In Car Seat -
withoutharness system......................................
10
Operations and Adjustments ..........................12
• Harness Straps
• Harness Tie
• Buckle
• Recline
• Armrests
• Tether Strap
• Changing Harness Strap Slots
• Changing Crotch Strap Slots
Harness System -
removal and re-assembly..........................
16
This instruction manual is for:
• NextStep Booster Car Seat
• NextStep SE Booster Car Seat
Instructions for these models are the same
unless otherwise noted.
Page 3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
No car seat can guarantee protection from
injury in every situation, but proper use helps
reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
Child restraints (car seats) could be recalled for
safety reasons. You must register this restraint
to be reached in a recall. Fill out the
registration card attached to car seat and mail
today or send your name, address, and the
restraint’s model number and manufacturing
date to:
Century Products
P.O. Box 551
Elverson, PA 19520-9973
or call 1-888-224-6549
For recall information:
• Call the U.S Government’s Auto Safety
Hotline at 1-800-424-9393
(202-366-0123 in D.C. area)
• www.nhtsa.dot.gov
• Call Century Products at 1-800-837-4044
✔ Read and understand instruction manual and
car seat labels.
✔ A vehicle combination lap/shoulder belt MUST
be used when using car seat without harness
system.
✔ Do not use vehicle “lap-only” belt across front
of child.
✔ Secure children in back seat whenever possible.
✔ Never leave child unattended.
✔ Install car seat securely.
✔ Do not use after date shown on back of
car seat.
✔ Do not allow anyone (babysitter, relatives, etc.)
to use car seat without first understanding all
instructions.
1
❃
Registration Information
❃
Safety First Check List
Page 4
WARNINGS - Prevent serious injury or death:
2
x
Never use a vehicle “lap-only” belt
across front of child.
Never put a car seat in a front
vehicle seat unless recommended by
vehicle owner’s manual. National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) alerts
vehicle owners that according to
accident statistics, children up to
age 12 are safer in the back seat.
For vehicle’s with air bags, refer to
vehicle owner’s manual for child
restraint installation information.
If car seat is in a crash, it must be
replaced. DO NOT use it again! A
crash can cause unseen damage and
using it again could result in serious
injury or death.
Failure to follow these instructions
and car seat labels can result in child
striking the vehicle’s interior during
a sudden stop or accident. Secure
child restraint with a vehicle seat
belt as shown in this manual.
Not all vehicle seat belts can be used
with car seat. Read “Vehicle Seat
Belts” section:
• Car seat with harness system
MUST be held securely at all
times by a lap belt (or lap belt
portion of a lap/shoulder belt)
that will not change length
while driving.
• Car seat without harness
system MUST be used with a
lap/shoulder belt.
Page 5
3
DO NOT use car seat if it is damaged
or has missing parts.
DO NOT use accessories or parts
other than those provided by
Century or Graco. Their use could
alter the function of the car seat.
Never leave child unattended, even
when sleeping.
WARNINGS - Prevent serious injury or death (continued):
Page 6
DO NOT use after date shown on back of
car seat due to changing requirements and
normal wear and tear.
Look for:
BASIC INFORMATION
With Harness System:
Car seat meets or exceeds all applicable
requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.
Without Harness System:
Booster seat is certified for use in motor vehicles.
Booster seat is NOT certified for use in aircraft.
Always secure car seat with a vehicle seat belt,
even when unoccupied. An unsecured car seat
can injure passengers.
Protect vehicle seat. Use a car seat mat, towel
or thin blanket under and behind car seat.
Car seat parts can get very hot in the sun or
warm weather.
To avoid burns, always check before putting
child in car seat.
4
Do not use car seat on rear-facing or
side-facing vehicle seats.
DO NOT USE
THIS CAR SEAT
AFTER DECEMBER
YEAR
❃
Certification
❃
Unoccupied Car Seat
❃
Car Seat Useful Life
❃
Dangerous Vehicle Seats
❃
Vehicle Seat Protection
❃
Warm Weather
Page 7
HEIGHT and WEIGHT LIMITS
5
❃
Outgrowing Car Seat
To avoid injuries from whiplash, top of
child’s ears must be below top edge of
headrest.
WARNING
Child MUST meet all of the following
requirements:
• Weight is 20 - 40 lbs. (9.1 - 18.1 kg).
• Height is 27 - 43 inches (68.6 - 109.2 cm)
tall.
• Child is able to sit upright unassisted
*
.
• Child’s shoulders are not above top harness
slots.
Child MUST meet all of the following
requirements:
• Weight is 30 - 80 lbs. (13.6 - 36.3 kg).
• Height is 35 - 52 inches (89 - 132.1 cm) tall.
• Child is able to sit upright unassisted
*
.
• Top of child’s ears are not above top of
headrest.
❃
Without Harness System
❃
With Harness System
Without Harness System
With
Harness System
80 lbs.
(36.3 kg)
20 lbs.
(9.1 kg)
30 lbs.
(13.6 kg)
40 lbs.
(18.1 kg)
*
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
that children should be at least one year of age
before being positioned forward facing.
Page 8
Adjust car seat to semi-upright position and
armrests to up position.
Place forward-facing on vehicle seat.
Lift seat pad flap, thread vehicle seat belt
through openings and buckle belt (fig. a).
Press down firmly in center of car seat to
compress vehicle seat cushion while tightening
vehicle seat belt.
HINT: Use your knee to press down in center
of car seat (fig. b).
Pull front to back and left to right to check for
secure installation (fig. c).
If not secure, see “Vehicle Seat Belts” section.
Attach tether hook (A) to anchor hardware (B)
and tighten strap to remove any slack (fig. d).
If tether anchor hardware (B) is not available,
see “Installation of Anchor Hardware“ section.
INSTALLATION
- with harness system
1
3
4
2
6
(fig. a) (fig. b) (fig. c)
5
(fig. d)
6
Openings
(A)
(B)
Pull to
tighten
Page 9
Adjust car seat to upright or semi-upright
position and armrests to up or down position.
Place forward-facing on vehicle seating position
with a vehicle lap/shoulder belt. See “Vehicle
Seat Belts” section.
Tether may be used to stabilize booster seat:
Attach tether hook (A) to anchor hardware
(B) and tighten strap to remove any slack
(fig. a).
If tether anchor hardware (B) is not available,
see “Installation of Anchor Hardware“ section.
If not using tether, see “Tether Storage” section.
INSTALLATION
- without harness system
1
7
2
(fig. a)
(A)
(B)
Pull to
tighten
3
Page 10
Adjust harness system:
Harness straps must be through slots at or
just above shoulders.
Place child in car seat with child’s back flat
against back of car seat.
Place harness straps over child’s shoulders and
insert tongues into buckle.
Pull up on tongues to be sure they are locked.
Close harness tie:
Position harness tie at arm pit level.
Tighten harness straps so that they are snug
with just enough room to insert one finger
between child’s chest and harness straps (fig. a).
Thigh straps must also be snug (fig. b).
Position Head Support in center of car seat
with ends pointing down and snap into belt
slots above harness straps (fig. c).
To prevent serious injury or death:
• Vehicle seat belt must be routed
through back of car seat when using
harness system.
• Never place vehicle belt in front of
child when using harness system.
• Do not use strap covers, blankets,
cushions, or padding under harness
straps or child unless provided by
Century or Graco.
• Do not use harness straps that are
loose or unbuckled. They must be
snug and positioned over shoulders
and thighs.
1
2
3
4
8
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEAT - with harness system
WARNING
5
Page 11
9
2
3
(fig. a) (fig. b) (fig. c)
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEAT - with harness system (continued)
Page 12
Remove harness system (see “Harness System removal and re-assembly” section).
Place child in car seat with child’s back flat
against back of car seat.
Place shoulder belt across child’s chest.
Buckle belt and pull shoulder belt to adjust lap
belt snugly.
Shoulder belt MUST lay across child’s shoulder
in red zone as shown (fig. b). If outside of
red zone, see next steps for Comfort Clip use.
CAUTION:
Some shoulder belts with (emergency
locking) retractors allow a child to pull belt
out and change position of belt. Use of
Comfort Clip helps prevent child from
pulling belt out.
Thread shoulder belt through Comfort Clip
exactly as shown and hook end of Comfort Clip
through proper loop of webbing (fig. c).
Check to be sure shoulder belt is properly
positioned over shoulder in red zone and snug
against child.
Position Head Support in center of car seat
with ends pointing down and snap into belt
slots (fig. d).
To prevent serious injury or death:
• Shoulder belt MUST be properly
positioned over shoulder (NOT
touching child’s neck and NOT low
off shoulder).
• Lap/shoulder belt MUST be properly
positioned exactly as shown in
illustration.
• DO NOT use shoulder belt loose or
positioned under child’s arms (fig. a).
• Never use a vehicle “lap-only” belt
across front of child.
• DO NOT allow child to slide down in
car seat which could position lap belt
across child’s abdomen and shoulder
belt over neck or face.
• If child will not keep vehicle shoulder
belt properly positioned, DO NOT use
this booster car seat. Use a different
child restraint system.
• Vehicle belts MUST lay flat against child
and MUST not be twisted.
1
2
3
4
10
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEA T - without harness system
WARNING
5
6
Page 13
11
(fig. b)
(fig. d)
(fig. a)
PLACING CHILD IN CAR SEA T - without harness system (continued)
(fig. c)
Loops
Page 14
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS
12
Harness Tie:
• To open: Press tab and pull apart (fig. a).
• To close: Snap halves together. Make
sure harness tie is locked by pulling out
on each half.
Buckle:
• To lock: Insert both tongues into buckle.
Pull up on tongues to be sure they are
locked.
• To unlock: Press red button and pull
tongues out of buckle.
Recline (fig. b):
• Recline: Slide tab on front of car seat to
allow recline foot to drop down.
• Upright: Slide and hold tab on front of
car seat while pushing recline foot up.
Release tab to lock foot.
Armrests (fig. c):
• Push in button on side of car seat and
rotate armrest up or down.
1
2
3
Tether Straps (fig. d):
• To tighten: Pull loose end of strap.
• To loosen: Lift adjuster.
Harness Straps (fig. e):
A To loosen: Lift adjuster bar and pull
harness straps from front of car seat to
desired length.
or
To tighten: Lift adjuster bar and pull
ends of harness straps down until all
slack is removed.
B Pull harness straps on front side to lock
adjuster bar.
C When adjusting harness straps, pull
harness straps through tongues in buckle
to remove all slack.
4
5
6
To prevent serious injury or death:
End of each strap must be at least
2 inches (5 cm) below metal plate
(fig. h - page 15).
WARNING
Page 15
13
(fig. a)
(fig. b)
(fig. c)
(fig. d)
Tighten
Adjuster
Loosen
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)
(fig. e)
Adjuster
Bar
Loosen
Tighten
3
4
2
1
Page 16
14
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)
Changing Harness Strap Slots:
MUST use slots at or just above shoulders.
A Lift adjuster bar and pull harness straps
out of current slots.
B Change harness strap slots.
Make sure harness straps are threaded
through matching slot of seat pad and
car seat.
It may be necessary to remove seat pad
from top of car seat.
C Thread harness straps behind opening
in metal plate and adjuster bar (fig. f).
D Lift adjuster bar and thread straps over
adjuster bar, creating loop, and down
behind metal plate (fig. g).
E Pull each end of harness strap down
at least 2 inches (5 cm) below metal
plate (fig. h).
F Adjust harness straps to fit child (see ).
NOTE: Make sure straps are NOT twisted.
7
6
Changing Crotch Strap Slots:
MUST be in slot closest to but not under child.
A Turn car seat upside down, pry metal
rod loose and pull rod out of crotch strap
end (fig. i).
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage
webbing with screwdriver.
B Turn car seat upright and pull crotch strap
and buckle out.
C Change crotch strap slots.
Thread looped end of crotch strap through
slots in seat pad and shell (fig. j).
D Slide metal rod through loop in crotch
strap and press into car seat shell (fig. k).
NOTE: Use a hammer to tap rod if
necessary.
Page 17
(fig. i)
(fig. j)
(fig. k)
15
(fig. f)
(fig. g)
Metal
Plate
(fig. h)
Minimum
2 inches
OPERATIONS and ADJUSTMENTS (continued)
Page 18
HARNESS SYSTEM - removal and re-assembly
16
Harness Removal:
•Lift adjuster bar and pull both harness straps
out of current slots.
•Pull harness strap out of car seat, harness tie,
and tongues.
Store all parts for future use.
Crotch Strap Removal:
•Turn car seat upside down, pry metal
rod loose and pull rod out of crotch strap
end (fig. i - page 15).
CAUTION: Be careful not to damage
webbing with screwdriver.
•Turn car seat upright and pull crotch strap
and buckle out.
Re-assembly:
When re-assembling harness system, be sure
harness straps are not twisted.
Thread end of harness strap down through slot
in seat pad, across bottom and back up
through slot in opposite side of car seat pad.
Thread ends through tongues or shields
(available on some models).
Thread ends through harness tie.
Thread ends through desired slots and adjuster
following instructions in “Operations and
Adjustments” section.
Install buckle and crotch strap following
instructions in “Operations and Adjustments”
section.
1
2
3
4
5
Page 19
17
1
4
(Without Shield
on some models)
2
HARNESS SYSTEM - removal and re-assembly (continued)
Page 20
18
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS
If car seat with harness system is not held
securely after following instructions in this
manual, vehicle seat belt labels, and vehicle
owner’s manual:
• Move car seat to another seating location
and try again, or
• Contact vehicle dealer for possible seat
belt modification parts.
Not all vehicle seat belts can be used
with a car seat:
• Car seat with harness system MUST
be held securely at all times by a
lap belt (or lap belt portion of a
lap/shoulder belt) that will not
change length while driving.
• Car seat without harness system
MUST be used with a lap/shoulder
belt.
WARNING
To provide the best installation of the car seat:
• Read the vehicle owner’s manual regarding
car seat installation and seat belt use with
car seat.
• Follow all instruction labels on vehicle seat
belt and car seat.
Page 21
19
With Harness System:
The locking latch plate on some seat belts may
slip and loosen after being buckled on car seat if
positioned at a certain angle. If this happens,
flip latch plate over (fig. a) and re-buckle. Test
installation again to see if this works. If not,
move car seat to another seating position.
Without Harness System:
DO NOT use this type of vehicle seat belt to
secure child and booster car seat.
(fig. a)
❃
Lap Belts - Manually Adjustable
Flip
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 22
With Harness System:
Lap belts with retractors may or may not hold
a car seat securely.
Follow these steps to determine if you have a
retractor system that will hold car seat securely:
a. Pull belt all the way out.
b. Allow belt to retract about 6 inches (15 cm).
c. Pull out on belt again.
If belt is locked and you cannot pull the belt out
any further, you have an Automatic Locking
Retractor which may be used with a car seat.
Remember, when installing a car seat, pull belt
all the way out, buckle belt, and then tighten.
If you can pull the belt out again (step c), you
have an Emergency Locking Retractor which
must not be used with a car seat.
Without Harness System:
DO NOT use this type of vehicle seat belt to
secure child and booster car seat.
Retractor
❃
Lap Belts - With Retractor
20
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 23
21
With or Without Harness System:
DO NOT use with any car seat.
❃
Passive Restraint - Lap Belt
with Motorized Shoulder Belt
With or Without Harness System:
DO NOT use with any car seat. Belts will not
stay tight while driving.
❃
Passive Restraint- Lap or
Shoulder Belt Mounted on Door
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 24
22
With Harness System:
Vehicle seat belts located forward of seat
crease may not securely hold car seat. Check
vehicle owner’s manual or see vehicle dealer for
car seat installation requirements.
If approved for use with car seat by vehicle
manufacturer, install car seat and check for
secure installation by pulling car seat front to
back. If car seat slides forward, DO NOT use
these seat belts.
Without Harness System:
Lap/shoulder belts forward of the seat crease
are OK to use. Follow vehicle owner’s manual
for specific instructions on how to use vehicle
seat belts.
DO NOT use lap only belts.
Seat Crease
Seat Crease
❃
Belts Forward of Seat Crease
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 25
23
(fig. a)
❃
Combination Lap/Shoulder Belt
with Locking Latch Plate
With Harness System:
OK to use. Follow vehicle owner’s manual for
specific instructions on how to use vehicle seat
belts.
The locking latch plate on some seat belts may
slip and loosen after being buckled on car seat if
positioned at a certain angle. If this happens,
flip the latch plate over (fig. a) and re-buckle.
Test installation again to see if this works. If
not, move car seat to another seating position.
Without Harness System:
OK to use. Follow vehicle owner’s manual for
specific instructions on how to use vehicle seat
belts.
Flip
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Page 26
(fig. a)
❃
Combination Lap/Shoulder Belt
with Sliding Latch Plate
Pull
24
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
With Harness System:
Pull on latch plate (fig. a). If belt slides freely
through latch plate, a locking clip MUST be
used. (See “Locking Clip”section.)
Without Harness System:
This vehicle seat belt system is OK to use with
booster car seat.
Movement of the seat belt through the latch
plate can allow an active toddler to slide down
in car seat and re-position lap belt over
abdomen and shoulder belt over neck or face
which is dangerous.
A Locking Clip may be used on this type of
vehicle seat belt to prevent movement of seat
belt through latch plate limiting toddler’s
movement:
Install car seat and adjust lap/shoulder belt
snugly around child.
Hold seat belts together at latch plate
(fig. b - page 25) then unbuckle.
Slide locking clip on seat belts approximately
1/2 inch (1 cm) away from latch plate (see
illustration page 25).
Re-buckle seat belt.
1
2
3
4
Page 27
You MUST use locking clip provided with
car seat with a vehicle seat belt that slides
freely through the latch plate or the lap belt
cannot be tightly secured.
Install car seat and tighten vehicle seat belt.
Hold seat belts together at latch plate (fig. a)
then unbuckle.
Slide locking clip on seat belts approximately
1/2 inch (1 cm) away from latch plate.
Re-buckle seat belt.
25
1
2
3
4
1/2 inch (1 cm)
Avoid serious injury or death:
• Failure to use locking clip where
required will result in car seat not
being securely held in place.
• Remove locking clip from seat belts
when not being used with car seat.
•DO NOT use locking clip as a vehicle
seat belt shortener.
WARNING
5
❃
Locking Clip
(fig. b)
VEHICLE SEAT BELTS (continued)
Test installation to see if car seat is secure.
If not secure, additional belt tightening may be
required:
• Unbuckle vehicle seat belt.
• Hold belts together and remove locking
clip.
• Shorten length of lap belt portion slightly
by pulling belt through latch plate.
• Re-attach locking clip.
• Buckle vehicle seat belt.
HINT: Press car seat further down into vehicle
seat cushion to help buckle vehicle seat belt.
Page 28
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Vehicle may already be equipped with a tether
anchor (top strap anchor). See vehicle owner’s
manual for location.
If vehicle does not have a tether anchor, one must
be installed:
• Contact vehicle dealership for proper
anchor location and installation.
• Before installing anchor, install car seat with
harness system on a vehicle seat and check
that the lap belt portion of the vehicle belt
will hold car seat securely. If not, move
car seat to another seating position.
If tether anchor hardware kit is not available at
your vehicle dealership, one may be purchased at
a local retailer or call Century at 1-800-837-4044.
❃
Installation of Anchor Hardware
Avoid serious injury or death:
• Be sure anchor hole is properly sealed
to prevent exhaust fumes and water
from entering the vehicle.
• If you wish to remove anchor once child
outgrows car seat, make sure hole is
properly plugged or sealed to prevent
exhaust fumes from entering the
vehicle.
WARNING
26
Page 29
27
For storage of tether hook if not used with a belt
position booster:
• Adjust tether strap length so hook end is as
short as possible.
• Roll up loose end of strap.
• Place rolled up strap on top of adjuster and
place rubber band around bundle.
❃
Tether Storage
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)
Page 30
Removing Seat Pads:
If using harness system, remove harness system
(see Harness System - removing and
re-assembly” section).
Slide “J” hooks out of front slots.
Unhook elastic from “J” hooks.
Pull two button clips out (located on inside of
seat pad) and pull pad off.
Pull attachment strip apart.
Removing Armrest Pads.
Pull attachment strips apart and pull pads off.
Reverse above steps for replacing pads and
harness system.
❃
Care & Cleaning
28
1
4
1
2
2
4
5
5
2
3
3
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)
5
Page 31
Prevent serious injury or death:
• Buckle must be properly latched.
• Periodically inspect and clean buckle
to remove objects or debris that could
prevent latching.
WARNING
29
Seat Pad and Armrest Pads:
Machine-wash separately on gentle cycle and
drip dry.
Harness Straps:
Surface wash only with mild soap and damp
cloth.
If harness straps are frayed or heavily soiled,
they MUST be replaced.
Shell:
Wipe with mild solution of soap and water.
Avoid wetting labels.
Never use “household detergents”: they can
weaken plastic.
Buckle:
Rinse buckle with warm water. DO NOT use
household detergents. Never lubricate
buckle.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (continued)
Century advises against loaning or passing
along car seat.
With Harness System:
This car seat is certified for use on aircraft when
used with harness system (see label on
car seat). Contact airline about their policy.
Use this car seat only on forward-facing aircraft
seats.
Install car seat on an aircraft the same way it is
installed in a vehicle except DO NOT use tether
strap.
Without Harness System:
When used without harness system as a belt
positioning booster seat, this restraint is not
certified for use in aircraft because there is
no shoulder belt available.
❃
Aircraft Use
❃
Second Hand Car Seat
Page 32
Fold instruction manual.
Store in pocket.
If a part is damaged,
missing, or you need help
or replacement parts,
DO NOT return car seat
to the store.
CALL US FIRST
Call toll-free 1-800-837-4044
from anywhere in the U.S. or Canada
or fax at 1-610-286-4555.
or write us at:
Century Products
P.O. Box 100
Elverson, PA 19520-9974
Attention: Customer Service
Department
Pocket
Century Products
Graco Children’s Products Inc.
A Division of Newell Rubbermaid
Macedonia, Ohio 44056-2096
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